Support for female oyster fishermen in Kartong
Greater safety and prospects in oyster fishing
Location:
Kartong, Gambia
Project partner:
Ziethen Parish
Field of work:
Education & sustainable infrastructure
Oyster fishing is a key source of income for many women in Kartong and the basis for their families’ livelihoods.
The work is often carried out under difficult conditions: damaged boats, a lack of infrastructure and unsafe working practices make daily life difficult and pose a risk.
At the same time, the sustainable use of mangrove areas is crucial to protecting natural resources in the long term and securing the community’s livelihoods.
Our objectives
The aim of the project is to improve the working conditions of female oyster fishers in a sustainable manner and to stabilise their economic situation in the long term.
The focus is particularly on the following aspects:
- safe and stable working conditions
- strengthening economic independence
- sustainable use of natural resources
- long-term safeguarding of livelihoods
Our support
VoltaViewAfrica has provided targeted support to the female oyster fishermen in Kartong in their day-to-day work. The women previously worked using simple wooden canoes that were propelled solely by paddling; this resulted in long journeys, high physical strain and little time for the actual fishing.
The boats were repaired and fitted with solar-powered electric motors. As a result, the fisherwomen can now reach their fishing grounds much more quickly and with less physical effort. The time saved can be used for fishing, which has a direct impact on their income. At the same time, they can reach more distant oyster beds, allowing stocks to recover more effectively.
Furthermore, the new propulsion systems are emission-free and quiet, and have a significantly lower impact on the sensitive mangroves. Repairing the badly damaged canoes also ensured that the women could resume their work at all.
In this way, conditions have been created that secure the oyster fisherwomen’s livelihoods in the long term and stabilise their economic situation.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks go to the parish of Ziethen, whose commitment and donations have made this project possible.
